A prolific East Bay robbery crew opened fire on Oakland police Wednesday morning following a crime spree and chase through city streets.
No one was hurt in the shooting and the chase was called off soon after it started since it had the potential to endanger bystanders and investigators believe they have enough information to track the suspects down.
“We’ve been tracking this group for quite a few days now,” Oakland interim Police Chief James Beere said at a news conference Wednesday. “We know that they’re responsible for dozens of robberies throughout Oakland.”
Beere said the suspects, who are also suspected of crimes in neighboring cities, started driving around early Wednesday morning committing robberies, starting in West Oakland.
“The crew did then relocate to East Oakland where they committed another robbery and potentially a burglary,” he said. “We repositioned our resources and found them back in West Oakland, at which point officers were directed to stop them.”
Officers initially tried to pull over the suspects’ car at 18th and Market streets a little before 6:30 a.m. but they took off.
The pursuit continued into the 700 block of 21st Street, where officers heard what appeared to be a gunshot coming from the vehicle, which continued to flee.
Officers didn’t return fire but called for backup and the chase continued for a short time.
“However, because of the situation, it’s early in the morning, it’s potentially dangerous for people coming to work and the rest of the community, we canceled the pursuit,” Beere said.
Police believe they have enough information to track down the suspects and make arrests.
“I will say if they’re out there, it’s probably a good idea that you turn yourself in and stop what you’re doing because we are going to get you and we have the information and you’re going to be seeing us here real soon,” he said.
Anyone with information can contact the Oakland Police Department Felony Assault Unit at (510) 238-3426. Videos and photos can be sent to cidvideos@oaklandca.gov.